The Scents and Sights of Science: Biochemistry among Two Countries

The Scents and Sights of Science: Biochemistry among Two Countries.The two participating schools in the project are upper secondary schools Rudbecksgymnasiet in Örebro, Sweden, and DIZ-ISIS Jožef Stefan in Trieste, Italy. Both schools have specialties in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry and have been successfully collaborating for the last two years on the common biochemistry project, “Biochemistry among Two Countries: Similarities and Differences.” In the past two years, our students through hands-on biochemistry activities have developed new practical skills while also learning about the other country's culture and school system, which has improved their intercultural competence. On the basis of the results achieved so far, we have set four main goals for this new cooperation project. The first one is to continue enhancing our students’ interest in science education. By strengthening our students' scientific knowledge, the project aims to reinforce their motivation to continue their studies in science at the university level as well. The second goal is to strengthen teaching skills in natural science in both Sweden and Italy. The third goal is to enhance English-language skills related to science among both students and their teachers. The fourth objective is to develop and improve students’ understanding of other cultures. These aims will be reached through lab projects that the students from both countries will carry out together. The themes chosen for these lab projects are connected to health and environmental issues that are important to both schools and their respective home regions. Moreover, entrepreneurship will be promoted by visiting local companies where the students will have the opportunity to see how chemistry is being used in real work. The language used during project activities is English. Throughout the project, participating teachers and students will use the eTwinning TwinSpace and they will communicate over Skype. There will be an ongoing dialogue about the lab themes and our common objectives. The project and its results will be presented by the participating schools through presentations and reports. The long-term benefits of the project will include a better understanding between the two cultures, an improved understanding of the curricula in biochemistry, chemistry, and biology and an enhanced capability for critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurialism.